Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This supple but structured wine is sourced from various parts of the valley, yet still has the gentle power of the Stags Leap District. Suave oak spices, rich dark fruit and a full body give a generous, broad feel that is nicely freshened by fine-grained tannins. Drink now or hold.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a terrific introductory-level wine from Stags Leap Wine Cellars. Bright acids and floral aromatics lift a core of vibrant, red-toned fruit. Crushed raspberries, kirsch, flowers, cinnamon, mint and a touch of sweet oak lend energy. This is beautifully rendered. Fruit sources are Antica and Arcadia.

The only one of these releases to contain purchased fruit, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis draws from such diverse sources as Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Coombsville, Saint Helena and Wooden Valley. It's rather fresh and primary, with almost grapey notes, black cherries and cassis. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and plush, with a soft, velvety finish. A nice step up in quality over the 2020 version, it should drink well for up to a decade.

Delivers a lovely burst of boysenberry and mulberry puree flavors that glide through, marrying well with judicious accents of glossy toast, anise, sweet tobacco and apple wood through the finish. Drink now through 2036. 87,500 cases made.

Always a solid value in Napa Cabernet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis has a varietal nose of darker currants and subtle blue fruits as well as green tobacco, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, and cedarwood. This carries to a medium-bodied, nicely textured, elegant 2018 that offers the vintage's fresher, more elegant texture, present tannins, and plenty of length on the finish. It's not for those craving blockbuster wines, but it has elegance and charm. It should benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 10-12.